FINAL
INSPECTION
Building Division
City of Palo Alto (CPA)
Building Inspection
285 Hamilton Ave.
Inspection Request: 650 329-2496
Revision Date:04/10/12
General Requirements/Checklist for:
Commercial
Codes Enforced:
2010 CBC, CMC, CPC, CEC
Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC)
The information provided in this document is general and intended as a guide only. Each project is unique and
additional requirements may be enforced as deemed appropriate.
WARNING
 Failure to complete items below prior to inspection may result in a re-inspection fee.
 No stocking or store employees prior to final inspection.
PRIOR TO FINAL INSPECTION: Schedule Accessibility Inspection. (Insp. Code 104)
CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBILITIES DURING INSPECTION:
 Have Permit(s), Approved Plans and Documentation available during inspection.
 Building must have power for testing circuits and circuit tester.
 Provide safe and adequate size ladder(s) for roof and attic inspection. Ladder shall
extend a min. of 36” above roof edge and be full height to attic access scuttle.(Per
OSHA requirements)
 Provide proper torque wrenches and tools for electrical panel & A/C inspection.
UTILITIES RELEASE
 Inspector shall release final utilities gas/electrical when final is approved.
 PERMITS, PLANS AND DOCUMENTATION (Required prior to Building sign off)
 Permit and approved plans on job site and accessible to inspector. CBC108.4
 All revisions submitted, approved and attached to plans & plan check fees paid.
 All deferred submittals, approved and attached to plans
 Required sign-offs from other departments ( Utilities, Public Works, Fire Department,
and Green Building) prior to Final Building inspection
 County Health Department sign off (if applicable)
 Verify compliance with approved plans and required sequential inspections are
signed off
 Insulation certificates- CEC energy standards
 Special inspection reports and final affidavit
 Air balance report
 HERS testing certificate (if required)
 Back flow device certificate from certified tester must be tuned in to Utilities.
 Provide Disinfection of Potable Water System certificate from approved testing
agency. See requirement under plumbing section below.
 Third party testing report for unlisted electrical equipment.
TEMPORARY AND PHASED OCCUPANCY
 See Temporary Commercial Occupancy (TCO) guidelines
 See Phased Occupancy requirements guidelines.
CPA FINAL INSPECTION
 See guidelines for the following:
 Address
 Accessibility
 Electrical signs
Palo Alto Municipal Code Requirements
 All commercial and industrial building whose building face is parallel to the City
sidewalk shall have a HOSE BIB for washing the building face or watering plants.
PAMC 16.08.100
 If applicable, verify that Backflow Prevention Device is installed (water supply)
PAMC 16.08.100. see backflow prevention inspection guidelines
 Drainage piping serving fixtures with flood level rims located below one foot above
the elevation of the next upstream manhole cover of the public or private sewer
serving such drainage piping shall be protected from backflow of sewage by
installing an approved backwater valve. PAMC 16.08.130 Section 710.1
Shelving
 Periodic Special Inspection is required during the anchorage of storage racks 8’ or
greater in height. CBC 1707.6
 Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions over 5’-9” in
height shall be engineered for seismic lateral bracing. CBC 105.2 #13, ASCE 7 sec.
15.5.3
 Any installed appliances or fixtures over 400 pounds shall be engineered for seismic
lateral bracing. American Society of Civil Engineering (ASCE) 7, SEC. 131.4
 High-piled stock or rack storage over 12’ high in any occupancy group shall comply
with the California Fire Code. CBC 413.1, CFC 2301
 Rolling rack systems require engineered design. CBC table 16 a-o 2e footnote 24
T-Bar ceiling See checklist
 Existing T-Bar ceiling to meet the latest seismic requirements per PAMC
Roof
 Clear roof of all construction debris.
 Roof drains and over flows shall be clear.
 Environmental air duct shall be 3’ away from fresh air inlets at the roof. CMC 504.5
 Plumbing vents shall be 10’ away or 3’ above fresh air inlets at roof. CPC 906.2
 All abandoned equipment systems at roof shall be removed.
Mechanical See Rooftop Equipment Guidelines
 Verify air balance report. CMC 509.11
 Separate inspection required for HVAC curb prior to placement of HVAC units. CBC
108.7 (see handout)
 Roof mounted HVAC units must be secure (CMC 304.4)
 Label HVAC roof unit (CEC 110.26) and disconnects (CMC 304.5 & CMC 309.0) labels
shall be phenolic where installed outside.
Plumbing
 CPC 609.9 Disinfection of potable water system: New or repaired potable
water systems shall be disinfected prior to use, using procedures prescribed in CPC
609.9.1 through 609.9.4. Provide inspector at time of Final with certificate of
compliance from approved testing agency.
Gas See Gas Meter Release
 Label gas meter, identify location.
Electrical See Commercial Electrical Meter Release and Panel Torque Guidelines
 Where available short circuit current exceeds 10,000 amps, equipment shall be
series rated by the same manufacturer or equipment not series rated shall have a
main breaker rated at the available short circuit current. Provide label as required
“caution—series combination system rated amperes. identified replacement
components required” CEC 101.9 & CEC 110.22
 Label electric panel and provide required working clearances. CEC 110.26
 All electric rooms shall be marked “electric room”.
 Torque new and existing electrical equipment per City torque procedures.